Director, Research & Innovation Laboratory

As a key member of our team, the Director, Research & Innovation will be assisting and working closely with the V.P. of R&I in establishing strategic plans and leading the R&I team in our quest for revenue growth. He/she will lead the development and execution of color cosmetics and skin care formulation projects including raw materials selection, development of formulas, design of manufacturing procedures and establishment of testing protocols. It also collaborates with external clients on formulation development, specification and tests /test method alignment as needed. The right candidate inspires innovation through new technology and is up to date on the latest technical trends of the cosmetic industry.

It is paramount to the success of this function to collaborate across the organization with R&I (Regulatory, Stability, Analytical, Packaging Development), Engineering, QA/QC, Sales & Marketing, and Procurement.

Key Accountabilities:

Operational Initiatives
· Establish new and improve existing systems and processes to ensure consistency and compliance at the formula development stage in order to minimize scale up risks and exceed customer expectations
· Direct and lead high quality and innovative formula development assignments in a timely and cost effective manner
· Lead the existing process of the R&I laboratory, including raw material management, Planning and Scheduling, formulation development and samples preparation
· Lead the preparation of protocols and technical reports for development and validating new products / process development
· Review and / or develop specifications for new products for suitability with existing manufacturing systems and feasibility of other advanced technologies
· Lead the analysis and identification of causes of customer complaints and recommended corrective actions as required

Strategic Initiatives
· Key driver in establishing strategic plans, policies, and procedures to ensure departmental goals and objectives are attained
· Improve the company’s innovation capabilities by, for example, maintaining close awareness of raw materials, manufacturing and filling technologies and marketing trends. Lead R&I team for successful completion and submission of SR&ED projects to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as required
· Deeply interested in cosmetic products innovation and technology advances and environmental-related worldwide trends and requirements
· Manage departmental budget including annual budgetary planning

People Management
· Provide assistance and support in the continuous development of the R&I team through effective coaching, mentoring and training in collaboration with R&I managers/supervisors
· Manage and develop the R&I Laboratory team
· Build a strong bench of talents and succession plan for key positions

Stakeholder Engagement
· Provide technical support to other departments as required while assisting and supporting the R&I team in any and all other duties
· Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing and new raw materials, ingredients suppliers
· Build a strong and effective working relationship with customers to understand business needs and drivers to maximize formula approvals
· Communicate status and issues regarding project activity on a continual basis
· Be a role model and develop partnerships within the whole R&I team, Engineering, QA/QC, Procurement and Planning
· Work collaboratively within a team environment to achieve goals and objectives while respecting diverse cultural backgrounds

Compliance
· Maintain proactive commitment to quality and continuous improvement
· Ensure compliance to health and safety and environmental laws and policies
· Provide the required support on internal and external client / government audits

Skills, Experience and Education Required

· Postsecondary education in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering or related sciences and equivalent work experience
· Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in formulation development, preferably within Cosmetics, Personal Care or Skin Care industry with extensive experience in a manufacturing environment
· Minimum of 8 years of experience in a leadership role with demonstrated experience in leading, coaching and mentoring a team
· Cosmetic ingredients and physical chemistry science knowledge
· Excellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills; demonstrated ability to work with diverse cultures and global colleagues
· Quality-focused and with a highly customer-centric mindset
· Self-starter with demonstrated efficient work methods and ability to champion multiple projects in a fast-paced environment while displaying self-discipline, motivation and a strong work ethic.
· Ability to think both strategically and tactically with exceptional attention to detail
· Proven record of accomplishment of taking ownership and driving results
· Strong results-orientation and sense of urgency whilst demonstrating proficiency and success in prioritizing and handling multiple projects simultaneously
· Excellent problem solving skills including ability to evaluate technical problems and provide guidance for corrective actions

Nice to Have(s):

· Understanding of the cosmetic regulation across geographies is a plus

Reference ID: #220

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: Up to $140,000.00 per year

Additional pay:

• Bonus pay

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Vision care

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work remotely:

• No